Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has held discussions with senior officials of the World Bank on Ghana’s economic transformation agenda and efforts to tackle unemployment, particularly among the youth.
The meeting, held with the Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank, Paschal Donohoe, focused on Ghana’s next phase of development and strategies to sustain economic recovery while expanding job opportunities.
Mr Forson said the government’s immediate focus was shifting from stabilising the economy to creating sustainable employment opportunities, especially for young people.
He explained that while the past year had been dedicated to restoring stability in the country’s finances, the government was now prioritising policies aimed at stimulating growth and employment.
“A while ago, I had a productive discussion with the Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank, Mr. Paschal Donohoe, on Ghana’s economic transformation and the next phase of our development agenda,” he said.
According to the Finance Minister, unemployment—particularly among young people—remains one of the major challenges confronting the country.
“I noted that last year was focused on resetting the economy and placing it firmly on the path to sustainability. Today, one of our major challenges is unemployment, particularly among our youth,” he stated.
Mr Forson said Ghana was working to design programmes that would support private sector expansion, noting that government employment alone could not absorb the growing labour force.
“Africa has a rapidly growing youthful population, and it is clear that public sector employment alone cannot provide the opportunities our young people need,” he said.
“We are therefore putting in place major policies and programmes to sustainably create jobs.”
Mr Donohoe, for his part, congratulated Ghana on what he described as significant progress in improving the country’s fiscal situation.
“He indicated that the World Bank stands ready to continue supporting Ghana, including through a Jobs and Growth Analysis that will help identify new opportunities for job creation,” Mr Forson said.
The Finance Minister welcomed the World Bank’s continued collaboration with Ghana, expressing optimism that the partnership would support the country’s efforts to expand economic opportunities.
“I welcome the World Bank’s continued partnership as we work to create jobs, expand opportunities, and secure a more prosperous future for our people,” he added.
The engagement forms part of ongoing consultations between Ghana and international development partners as the government seeks to consolidate economic stability while addressing structural challenges such as unemployment and private sector growth.